Introducing Dave Coulson

A Culinary Craftsman

Proudly offering fine dining without the fuss at Peace and Loaf, Chef Patron, MasterChef: The Professionals finalist and County Durham-born Dave Coulson takes care to meticulously ensure that each dish is lovingly prepared on site from fresh ingredients, allowing him to show off his culinary prowess in his home region. Dave has been fortunate enough to work in some highly-regarded restaurants across the north east and beyond, including Michael Roux Jr’s two Michelin star rated La Gavroche, which helped him develop his unique culinary practice.

Dave has been named the north east’s best culinary craftsman while being featured in local magazines, blogs, and press with monthly columns in Luxe, North East Times, Savour and Appetite magazines, showcasing his imaginative recipes and progressive cooking skills. You can even catch him live, showcasing his award-winning skills at many food festivals across the region.

A unique approach

Utilising fresh, locally sourced produce including many ingredients grown and foraged for by Dave himself in the local Jesmond Dene Park. As part of Dave’s approach to the kitchen and Peace & Loaf’s regular changing menu’s, he will only use in-season produce; demonstrating his unique approach to keep you – and your taste buds – on your toes. Dave’s infectious attitude to cooking was reviewed by the Observer’s resident food critic Jay Rayner describing his creations as being “light in touch” and akin to a “a bunch of dockers in steel toe-capped boots dancing a skilful ballet.” High praise indeed.

Under Dave, Peace & Loaf, among many accolades have been awarded The Good Food Guide Local Restaurant of the Year north east 2016, hold 2 AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence, Observer Food Monthly Awards Runner up 2016, fantastic reviews from Hardens, The Observer, Secret Diner Awards 2015 and awarded Certificated of Excellence 2015 Winner by Trip Advisor and even a mention in the Michelin guide 2016.

A community figure

Becoming an active member of the community with huge passion, Dave recently appeared on the BBC’s hit show The Hairy Bikers in January 2017, discussing the importance of local produce to him, as well as joining Si and David to talk about what makes Northumberland and the north such a hotbed of food. Hairy Biker Si King then joined Dave and The People’s kitchen in December 2016 preparing the soup, sides and desserts for the homeless in Newcastle upon Tyne, something Dave has done year on year since opening – his small way of helping where he can.

Dave selflessly supports local soup kitchen The People’s Kitchen and many charities including The Brain Tumour Charity all year-round, actively taking time to provide meals, supplies, recipes, advice and support to help out the homeless community in and around the city of Newcastle.